A pedestrian walks in front of a burning barricade blocking the highway in Chacao, Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Traffic has come to a halt in parts of the Venezuelan capital because of barricades set up by opposition protesters across major thoroughfares. The protests are part of a wave of anti-government demonstrations that have swept Venezuela since Feb. 12 and have resulted in at least 10 deaths. The protests in the capital Monday were peaceful. Police and National Guard troops stood by but did not act to remove the barricades despite the effect on the morning commute. less

A pedestrian walks in front of a burning barricade blocking the highway in Chacao, Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Traffic has come to a halt in parts of the Venezuelan capital because of barricades ... more

People gather next to a barricade with a sign that reads in Spanish: "He who gives up, loses" in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Since Feb. 12, opponents of President Nicolas Maduro have been staging countrywide protests that the government says have resulted in scores of deaths and more than one hundred injuries. The demonstrators blame Maduro's administration for the country's high crime rate and economic troubles. less

People gather next to a barricade with a sign that reads in Spanish: "He who gives up, loses" in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Since Feb. 12, opponents of President Nicolas Maduro have been ... more

Photo: Rodrigo Abd, AP

People gather next to a barricade with a sign that reads in... Photo-5934285.80749 - Houston Chronicle

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Motorcyclists waving Venezuelan flags attend a rally in support of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Since Feb. 12, opponents of President Nicolas Maduro have been staging countrywide protests that the government says have resulted in at least 11 deaths and more than 130 injuries. The demonstrators blame Maduro's administration for the country's high crime rate and economic troubles. less

Motorcyclists waving Venezuelan flags attend a rally in support of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Since Feb. 12, opponents of President Nicolas Maduro have ... more

Motorcyclists attend a rally in support of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Opposition protesters erected barricades across major thoroughfares on Monday, bringing traffic to a halt in parts of the Venezuelan capital in a continuation of the unrest that has roiled the country for nearly two weeks. The demonstrators blame Maduro's administration for the country's high crime rate and economic troubles. less

Motorcyclists attend a rally in support of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Opposition protesters erected barricades across major thoroughfares on Monday, ... more

Photo: Rodrigo Abd, AP

Motorcyclists attend a rally in support of Venezuela's... Photo-5933188.80749 - Houston Chronicle

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A motor cycle driver removes one of the bamboo stalks blocking the highway while a demonstrator tries to stop him from doing so, at El Cigarral neighborhood in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Traffic has come to a halt in parts of the Venezuelan capital because of barricades set up by opposition protesters across major thoroughfares.The protests are part of a wave of anti-government demonstrations that have swept Venezuela since Feb. 12 and have resulted in at least 10 deaths. The protests in the capital Monday were peaceful. Police and National Guard troops stood by but did not act to remove the barricades despite the effect on the morning commute. less

A motor cycle driver removes one of the bamboo stalks blocking the highway while a demonstrator tries to stop him from doing so, at El Cigarral neighborhood in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Traffic ... more

Retired Venezuelan Army Gen. Angel Vivas, armed and wearing a flak jacket, walks around his home in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. President Nicolas Maduro ordered on Saturday the arrest and investigation of the retired general for his statements on YouTube and Twitter. Maduro said Vivas is instigating violence at a time when two weeks of anti-government protests have left 10 dead and over 100 wounded. Vivas became an opponent of the Venezuelan government since his 2007 resignation as director of the Ministry of Defense Engineering for his opposition to the military's adoption of the slogan "Fatherland, socialism or death, we shall overcome", created in Cuba. less

Retired Venezuelan Army Gen. Angel Vivas, armed and wearing a flak jacket, walks around his home in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. President Nicolas Maduro ordered on Saturday the arrest and ... more

Retired Venezuelan Army Gen. Angel Vivas, top right, stands armed inside his residence as military intelligence officers stand outside his home in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. President Nicolas Maduro ordered on Saturday the arrest and investigation of the retired general for his statements on YouTube and Twitter. Maduro said Vivas is instigating violence at a time when two weeks of anti-government protests have left 10 dead and over 100 wounded. Vivas has been an opponent of the Venezuelan government since his 2007 resignation as director of the Ministry of Defense Engineering, due to the military's adoption of the slogan "Fatherland, socialism or death, we shall overcome," created in Cuba. less

Retired Venezuelan Army Gen. Angel Vivas, top right, stands armed inside his residence as military intelligence officers stand outside his home in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. President Nicolas ... more

Neighbors of retired Army Gen. Angel Vivas gather outside his home to try to stop security agents from arresting him in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. President Nicolas Maduro ordered on Saturday the arrest and investigation of the retired general for his statements on YouTube and Twitter. Maduro said Vivas is instigating violence at a time when two weeks of anti-government protests have left 10 dead and over 100 wounded. Vivas has been an opponent of the Venezuelan government since his 2007 resignation as director of the Ministry of Defense Engineering, due to the military's adoption of the slogan "Fatherland, socialism or death, we shall overcome," created in Cuba. less

Neighbors of retired Army Gen. Angel Vivas gather outside his home to try to stop security agents from arresting him in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. President Nicolas Maduro ordered on Saturday ... more

Natalia Vivas, daughter of retired Army Gen. Angel Vivas, holds up a banner that reads in Spanish "Death to tyranny, long live liberty" as members of military intelligence gather outside their home in an attempt to arrest her father in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. President Nicolas Maduro ordered on Saturday the arrest and investigation of the retired general for his statements on YouTube and Twitter. Vivas, who is armed and holed up in his home, has been an opponent of the Venezuelan government since his 2007 resignation as director of the Ministry of Defense Engineering, due to the military's adoption of the slogan "Fatherland, socialism or death, we shall overcome," created in Cuba. less

Natalia Vivas, daughter of retired Army Gen. Angel Vivas, holds up a banner that reads in Spanish "Death to tyranny, long live liberty" as members of military intelligence gather outside their home in an ... more

A woman holds onto a representation of Venezuela's national flag during an anti-government demonstration in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. The anti-government movement has appeared to have snowballed into a political crisis, the likes of which Venezuela's socialist leadership hasn't seen since a 2002 coup attempt. Protest rallies are expected throughout the country on Saturday. less

A woman holds onto a representation of Venezuela's national flag during an anti-government demonstration in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. The anti-government movement ... more

A masked protester sprays a flammable substance on paper, igniting a barricade during an anti-government demonstration in the Altamira neighborhood of of Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. The anti-government movement has appeared to have snowballed into a political crisis, the likes of which Venezuela's socialist leadership hasn't seen since a 2002 coup attempt. Protest rallies are expected throughout the country on Saturday. less

A masked protester sprays a flammable substance on paper, igniting a barricade during an anti-government demonstration in the Altamira neighborhood of of Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. The ... more

A woman wearing her pajamas bangs on a pot during an anti-government demonstration in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. The anti-government movement has appeared to have snowballed into a political crisis, the likes of which Venezuela's socialist leadership hasn't seen since a 2002 coup attempt. Protest rallies are expected throughout the country on Saturday. less

A woman wearing her pajamas bangs on a pot during an anti-government demonstration in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. The anti-government movement has appeared to have ... more

Photo: Rodrigo Abd, AP

A woman wearing her pajamas bangs on a pot during an... Photo-5926600.80749 - Houston Chronicle

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Members of a pro-government "colectivo," or "collective," march in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. President Nicolas Maduro and his supporters say the escalating protests against his socialist government in the oil-rich but economically struggling country are part of an attempted coup sponsored by right-wing and "fascist" opponents in Venezuela and abroad, particularly the United States. less

Members of a pro-government "colectivo," or "collective," march in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. President Nicolas Maduro and his supporters say the escalating protests against his ... more

Photo: Rodrigo Abd, AP

Members of a pro-government "colectivo," or... Photo-5917041.80749 - Houston Chronicle

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A man walks next to a graffiti with the portrait of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in downtown in Caracas, Venezuela,Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Violence is heating up in Venezuela as an opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, faces criminal charges for organizing a rally that set off a deadly week of turmoil in anti-government protests in Caracas and other cities where demonstrators and government forces clashed leaving several dead and scores of wounded. less

A man walks next to a graffiti with the portrait of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in downtown in Caracas, Venezuela,Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Violence is heating up in Venezuela as an opposition leader ... more

Photo: Rodrigo Abd, AP

A man walks next to a graffiti with the portrait of... Photo-5917053.80749 - Houston Chronicle

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Maria Ramirez holds a balloon in the arms of her mother downtown in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Violence is heating up in Venezuela as an opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, faces criminal charges for organizing a rally that set off a deadly week of turmoil in anti-government protests in Caracas and other cities where demonstrators and government forces clashed leaving several dead and scores of wounded. less

Maria Ramirez holds a balloon in the arms of her mother downtown in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Violence is heating up in Venezuela as an opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, faces criminal ... more

Opposition leader Henrique Capriles speaks during a news conference at his office in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. The opposition is planning marches across the country on Saturday to protest the jailing of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, which has made him a cause celebre among opponents of President Maduro. Capriles, the opposition's two-time presidential candidate is now being eclipsed by Lopez as leader of the opposition. less

Opposition leader Henrique Capriles speaks during a news conference at his office in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. The opposition is planning marches across the country on Saturday to protest the ... more

People cross the street next to the remains of a barricade downtown in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. After a chaotic and tense night, with gunfire echoing through the streets of many neighborhoods, violence is heating up in Venezuela as an opposition leader faces criminal charges for organizing a rally that set off escalating turmoil in the oil-rich, but economically struggling country. less

People cross the street next to the remains of a barricade downtown in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. After a chaotic and tense night, with gunfire echoing through the streets of many ... more

Photo: Rodrigo Abd, AP

People cross the street next to the remains of a barricade downtown... Photo-5917056.80749 - Houston Chronicle

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Supporters of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro practice juggling in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Violence is heating up in Venezuela as an opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, faces criminal charges for organizing a rally that set off a deadly week of turmoil in anti-government protests in Caracas and other cities where demonstrators and government forces clashed leaving several dead and scores of wounded. less

Workers clean the street from debris left over from yesterday's clashes between anti government protestors and police in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. The graffiti on the wall reads in Spanish "Peace and Liberty". Violence is heating up in Venezuela as an opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, faces criminal charges for organizing a rally that set off a deadly week of turmoil in anti-government protests in Caracas and other cities where demonstrators and government forces clashed leaving several dead and scores of wounded. less

Workers clean the street from debris left over from yesterday's clashes between anti government protestors and police in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. The graffiti on the wall reads in Spanish ... more

Photo: Rodrigo Abd, AP

Workers clean the street from debris left over from... Photo-5916029.80749 - Houston Chronicle

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A demonstrator raises his arms as he is sprayed by a water canon from the National Bolivarian Police (BNP) in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014. The opposition is protesting the Tuesday detention of their leader Leopoldo Lopez, as well as rampant crime, shortages of consumer goods and an inflation rate of more than 50 percent. less

A demonstrator raises his arms as he is sprayed by a water canon from the National Bolivarian Police (BNP) in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014. The opposition is ... more

Photo: Rodrigo Abd, AP

A demonstrator raises his arms as he is sprayed by a water canon... Photo-5917635.80749 - Houston Chronicle

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Arminda Alvarado, 85, supporter of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez stands outside the Palace of Justice to show her solidarity with him, in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014. Following a dramatic surrender and a night in jail, Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez was due in court Wednesday to learn what charges he may face for allegedly provoking violence during protests against the socialist government in the divided nation. less

Arminda Alvarado, 85, supporter of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez stands outside the Palace of Justice to show her solidarity with him, in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014. Following a dramatic ... more

Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez is flanked by Bolivarian National Guards after Lopez surrendered, in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb 18, 2014. Lopez re-emerged from days of hiding to address an anti-government demonstration and then he turned himself in to authorities Tuesday. Speaking to some 5,000 supporters with a megaphone, Lopez said that he doesn't fear going to jail to defend his beliefs and constitutional right to peacefully protest against President Nicolas Maduro. less

Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez is flanked by Bolivarian National Guards after Lopez surrendered, in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb 18, 2014. Lopez re-emerged from days of hiding to address an ... more

Employees of Petroleos de Venezuela, PDVSA, work together to hold up their red banner as they walk during a pro-government march in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. The Venezuelan government accuses the Obama administration of siding with student protesters it has blamed for violence that led to three deaths last week. Maduro claims the U.S. is trying to stir up unrest to regain dominance of South America's largest oil producer. less

Employees of Petroleos de Venezuela, PDVSA, work together to hold up their red banner as they walk during a pro-government march in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. The Venezuelan government accuses ... more

Photo: Alejandro Cegarra, AP

Employees of Petroleos de Venezuela, PDVSA, work together to hold... Photo-5902474.80749 - Houston Chronicle

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A protester wearing a gas mask made from a plastic water bottle poses for a picture during an opposition protest outside La Carlota airport in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Members of the opposition are protesting after their leader Leopoldo Lopez surrendered to authorities Tuesday. Lopez was being sought by authorities for allegedly inciting violence during protests last week in which three people were killed as government forces clashed with protesters. less

A protester wearing a gas mask made from a plastic water bottle poses for a picture during an opposition protest outside La Carlota airport in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Members of the ... more

Photo: Rodrigo Abd, AP

A protester wearing a gas mask made from a plastic water bottle... Photo-5906452.80749 - Houston Chronicle

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A Bolivarian National Guard officer eats an apple as he stands guard near an opposition protest outside La Carlota airport in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Members of the opposition are protesting after their leader Leopoldo Lopez surrendered to authorities Tuesday. Lopez was being sought by authorities for allegedly inciting violence during protests last week in which three people were killed as government forces clashed with protesters. less

A Bolivarian National Guard officer eats an apple as he stands guard near an opposition protest outside La Carlota airport in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Members of the opposition are protesting ... more

Photo: Rodrigo Abd, AP

A Bolivarian National Guard officer eats an apple as he stands... Photo-5906455.80749 - Houston Chronicle

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Demonstrators hold up toilet paper and shout slogans against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro outside Venezuela's embassy in Lima, Peru, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Hundreds of students have spent the past week in the streets of Caracas, Venezuela alternating between peaceful protests by day and pitched battles with police at night in unrest fed by hardships that include rampant crime, more than 50 percent inflation and shortages of basic goods like toilet paper. less

Demonstrators hold up toilet paper and shout slogans against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro outside Venezuela's embassy in Lima, Peru, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Hundreds of students have spent the past week ... more

A demonstrator stands next to a burning barricade during an opposition protest outside La Carlota airport in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Members of the opposition are protesting after their leader Leopoldo Lopez surrendered to authorities Tuesday. Lopez was being sought by authorities for allegedly inciting violence during protests last week in which three people were killed as government forces clashed with protesters. less

A demonstrator stands next to a burning barricade during an opposition protest outside La Carlota airport in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Members of the opposition are protesting after their ... more

Photo: Rodrigo Abd, AP

A demonstrator stands next to a burning barricade during an... Photo-5906454.80749 - Houston Chronicle

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Valentina Pilonieta Vera, 23, wears a gag over her mouth with the word "Censored" written on it, as she attends a demonstration, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014 in Doral, Fla. Dozens of Venezuelans gathered near a street corner to show their support for Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López and the university students that have been carrying out street protests in that South American country. less

Valentina Pilonieta Vera, 23, wears a gag over her mouth with the word "Censored" written on it, as she attends a demonstration, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014 in Doral, Fla. Dozens of Venezuelans gathered near a ... more

Venezuelans protest against the Venezuelan government in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. The Venezuelan government has accused the Obama administration of siding with the student protesters it has blamed for violence that led to three deaths last week. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claims the U.S. is trying to stir up unrest to regain dominance of South America's largest oil producer. The banner reads 'Fairness, Peace'. less

Venezuelans protest against the Venezuelan government in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. The Venezuelan government has accused the Obama administration of siding with the student protesters it has blamed ... more

Photo: Paul White, AP

Venezuelans protest against the Venezuelan government in Madrid,... Photo-5904800.80749 - Houston Chronicle

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Draped in a Venezuelan national flag, opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, second from right, is surrounded by anti-government demonstrators and media, just before Lopez surrenders to national guards, in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb 18, 2014. Lopez re-emerged from days of hiding to address an anti-government demonstration and then surrendered to authorities Tuesday in a move that he said will open the world's eyes to the increasingly authoritarian bent of Venezuela's socialist government. less

Draped in a Venezuelan national flag, opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, second from right, is surrounded by anti-government demonstrators and media, just before Lopez surrenders to national guards, in Caracas, ... more